"The people are constantly talking about the crust and how fresh it is," said Judith Doocy, restaurant manager and corporation secretary. "We never over-make it. We make just enough to get us through (the day)."

Tedino's, which opened about two years ago, is famous for its stuffed pizzas, which come in three sizes and are packed with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Customers can choose from a traditional assortment of fillings, such as sausage, mushrooms and pepperoni. But they also can create unique combinations using pineapple, broccoli, shrimp, spinach and tomato slices.

The same ingredients and sizes are available on thin-crust pizzas. But these pies also come in an extra-large version that feeds four to five people.

Tedino's also serves a full line of sandwiches, salads and pastas, including spaghetti, baked mostaccioli, ravioli and homemade lasagna. They range from $4.50 to $5.95.

Among the sandwiches ($4.25-$5.50) are Italian beef and sausage, meatball, submarine, turkey, hamburgers and grilled chicken breast. Each comes with choice of soup, salad and fries.

The restaurant serves a different soup special daily, but Tedino's is especially proud of its homemade minestrone.

"We buy all the vegetables fresh daily," Doocy said. "We don't have them delivered. We buy them ourselves."

The restaurant's dining room has a casual atmosphere and caters mostly to families, who can take advantage of half-price pizzas on Wednesdays when ordering from the dining room. Tedino's also offers carry-out and free delivery.

Tedino's also has a restaurant at 5335 N. Sheridan Rd. in Chicago and plans to open another in the northwest suburbs within a year or two.